Mujahid Mahmood jumped bail part-way through his trial last month and was believed to have fled to Islamabad. He was convicted by the jury in his absence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Prosecutor Rupert Doswell said that street dealers working for the Sully Line were handing up to £5,000 a day to its three directors.

The court heard that Mohammed Assan, Mohammed Ayaz and Tassawar Aslam had leading roles within the supply chain.

“Control of the Sully Line moved between the three of them. At various points, each was responsible for taking calls from drug users and then directing and controlling the other defendants, below them in the chain, to facilitate the exchange,” Mr Doswell said.

Amir Rehman acted as a storeman to assist in distributing drugs to the street dealers, keeping them supplied with cocaine and heroin to meet the ongoing demand, the court heard.

Mr Doswell said that Sheraz Mahmood was not involved in the dealing side of the conspiracy. He registered the main phone line and arranged for replacement SIM cards and call diverts to be put on the phone.

“He played his part in what was a well-oiled machine,” Mr Doswell stated.

The packed courtroom heard that Mujahid Mahmood, who had fled the country, was still on the run.

Mahmood was described as a “trusted lieutenant” within the conspiracy, asked on some occasions to answer the Sully Line phone and to direct the dealers.

Mr Doswell said that the remaining defendants were street dealers, usually operating in pairs out of different hire cars. One drove the vehicle while the front seat passenger held the drugs and cash and liaised with the lead conspirators who directed them where to go.

All the defendants, bar Mahmood, are remanded in custody.

This afternoon, barristers for the defendants began their speeches in mitigation.

Frida Hussain, barrister for Mohammed Ayaz, said there were those above him in the Sully Line chain of command. There was no evidence that he lived a lavish lifestyle or made any great wealth from his involvement.

Ayaz, who had no relevant previous convictions, had pleaded guilty to two offences of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, saving the need for a trial.

Miss Hussain said he had been the sole carer for his mother for the past five years and she would suffer greatly while he was in prison.

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